Participants gathered at 8:00 am for registration where they received their start numbers and all of the necessary information for the 50 km ride ahead. Participants were delighted to receive a starter pack that included a protein drink, magnesium, muscle pain gel, and an event T-shirt. And on the back of each participant’s start number? Different Turopolje words with explanations to bring Turopolje closer to the cyclists.
A pleasant ride (17 km / h average) was driven from Pleška Street, in front of CB Bambus, and accompanied by two police cars, two service vehicles, firefighters, first aid and a dozen racers to ensure everyone felt safe.
The first stop was Lukavec Castle where cyclists were taken on a tour and were introduced to its rich history. Inside the castle, cyclists were greeted with apples, nectarines, water and domestic pies.
The cyclists then continued to their second stop, the Western Cowboy Ranch. The images of beautiful horses and cowboys immediately impressed the participants, and the friendly staff offered the cyclists their delicious specialities.
The next stop was in Šiljakovica where the cyclists were welcomed by the friendly members of the Šiljakovina DVD. Cyclists were again greeted with apples, nectarines and water, as well as a thick shade where they could relax and enjoy an old fire-fighter car.
After Šiljakovina they continued to Kuče to see an old elementary school that has been closed since 1974 and whose beauty is indescribable.
After the ride, participants were welcomed with a delicious homemade goulash and an entertaining program with DJs. After the goulash, the participants were served a barbeque and ice cream.
Participants continued to have fun and were delighted with the Ethnographic Association Kurilovec whose actors, in short sketches, presented a piece of the rich Turopolje history. After the sketches, participants enjoyed prize games and extra gifts (caps, t-shirts, chemical pens and more).
The Turopolje Mile has shown that Turopolje is the perfect place for cyclotourism and that the association VG TUR TEAM has come to the task of presenting Turopolje in its best light, throughout Croatia and beyond.
